PRINCE2® Sample Papers
The Official PRINCE2 Accreditor Sample Examination Papers
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Page 1 of 21 EN_P2_FND_2017_SamplePaper2_Rationale_v1.2
The PRINCE2® Foundation Examination
Sample Paper 2
Answers and Rationales
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For exam paper: EN_P2_FND_2017_SamplePaper2_QuestionBk_v1.1
Q A Syllabus Ref Rationale
1 D 3.7.3a A. Incorrect. A highlight report is a time-driven control, produced at a predefined
frequency. Ref 12.2.2
B. Incorrect. An exception report is an event-driven control, produced when a
tolerance is forecast to be exceeded. Ref 12.2.2
C. Incorrect. A daily log is a useful tool for recording actions when reviewing
progress, but it is not defined as a PRINCE2 control. Ref 12.2.2, A.7.1
D. Correct. A team manager prepares a checkpoint report for the project manager at
a predefined frequency. Therefore, checkpoint reports are a time-driven control. Ref
12.2.2
2 C 3.2.1b A. Incorrect. A change control approach is used to identify how, and by whom, the
project’s products will be controlled and protected. Ref A.3.1
B. Incorrect. An end project report is used during project closure to review how the
project performed against the version of the project initiation documentation (PID)
used to authorize it. Ref A.8.1
C. Correct. A communication management approach contains a description of the
means and frequency of communication to parties both internal and external to the
project. Ref A.5.1
D. Incorrect. A project brief is used to provide a full and firm foundation for the
initiation of the project and is created in the 'starting up a project' process. It is not
used in the 'closing a project' process. Ref A.19.1
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Q A Syllabus Ref Rationale
3 B 4.2d A. Incorrect. The purpose of the 'directing a project' process is to enable the project
board to be accountable for the project’s success by making key decisions and
exercising overall control while delegating day-to-day management of the project to
the project manager. Ref 15.1
B. Correct. An objective of the 'controlling a stage' process is to ensure attention is
focused on delivery of the stage’s products. Any movement away from the direction
and products agreed at the start of the stage is monitored to avoid uncontrolled
change and loss of focus. The 'controlling a stage' process describes the work of the
project manager in handling the day-to-day management of the stage. Ref 17.2,
17.3
C. Incorrect. The purpose of the 'managing a stage boundary’ process is to enable
the project manager to provide the project board with sufficient information to be
able to confirm continued business justification and acceptability of the risks. Ref
19.1
D. Incorrect. The purpose of the 'closing a project' process is to provide a fixed point
at which acceptance for the project product is confirmed, and to recognize that
objectives set out in the original project initiation documentation (PID) have been
achieved. Ref 20.1
4 D 2.1a D. Correct.
(1) PRINCE2 requires that, for all projects, the business justification is recorded and
approved. Ref 3.1
(4) Even compulsory projects should be supported by a business justification that
demonstrates value for money. Ref 3.1
A, B, C. Incorrect.
(2) The business justification is the responsibility of the executive, not the project
manager. Ref 6.2.1
(3) A project should be stopped if the justification disappears. However even though
the justification should remain valid, it may still change. It is important for the
evolving justification to be valid. Ref 3.1
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Q A Syllabus Ref Rationale
5 C 2.1c A. Incorrect. Application of the 'manage by stages' principle ensures that a
PRINCE2 project is planned, monitored and controlled on a stage-by-stage basis.
Ref 3.4
B. Incorrect. Application of the 'focus on products' principle ensures that a PRINCE2
project focuses on the definition and delivery of products, in particular their quality
requirements. This principle does not represent the primary stakeholders. Ref 3.6
C. Correct. Application of the 'defined roles and responsibilities' principle ensures
that a PRINCE2 project has defined and agreed roles and responsibilities within an
organization structure that engages the business, user and supplier stakeholder
interests. Ref 3.3
D. Incorrect. Application of the 'learn from experience' principle ensures that
PRINCE2 project teams learn from previous experience: lessons are sought,
recorded and acted upon throughout the life of the project. Ref 3.2
6 A 4.1g A. Correct. The purpose of the 'closing a project' process is to provide a fixed point
at which acceptance of the project product is confirmed, and to recognize that
objectives set out in the original project initiation documentation have been
achieved, or that the project has nothing more to contribute. Ref 20.1
B. Incorrect. There is not an end stage assessment at the end of the final stage. A
purpose of the 'closing a project' process is to recognize that objectives set out in
the original project initiation documentation have been achieved. Ref 20.1, Ref
12.2.2.4
C. Incorrect. The 'controlling a stage' process describes the work of the project
manager in handling the day-to-day management of the stage. The achievement of
a project's objectives is measured and confirmed during the 'closing a project'
process. Ref 17.3, 20.1
D. Incorrect. The 'managing product delivery' process is used to control delivery of
the project's products at work package level and interfaces with the 'controlling a
stage' process. A purpose of the 'closing a project' process is to recognize that
objectives set out in the original project initiation documentation have been
achieved. Ref 20.1, 18.2
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Q A Syllabus Ref Rationale
7 A 3.3.3b A. Correct. Quality assurance provides assurance to corporate, programme
management or customer on the project's compliance with relevant corporate,
programme management or customer standards and policies. Project assurance
provides assurance to the project's stakeholders that the project is being conducted
properly. Ref tab 8.1
B. Incorrect. Quality assurance is the responsibility of the programme or corporate
organization. Ref tab 8.1
C. Incorrect. Quality assurance is independent of the project. Project assurance is
independent of the project manager, but not the project. Ref tab 8.1
D. Incorrect. Project assurance is the responsibility of the project board. Quality
assurance is the responsibility of corporate, programme management or customer.
Ref tab 8.1
8 C 3.6.3 A. Incorrect. This procedure assesses and controls uncertainty, not change. Ref
10.4
B. Incorrect. When there is an exception situation, this must be raised to the next
level of management. This is part of the progress theme rather than a defined
procedure. Ref 12.2.3
C. Correct. This procedure identifies and controls changes to baselined products.
The PRINCE2 recommended issue and change control procedure can be used, or
an equivalent procedure. Ref 11.4.1-4
D. Incorrect. This activity defines and implements methods to check that products
will meet their quality criteria. Ref 8.1.1
9 D 2.1e A. Incorrect. Project scope must be defined, but it is the tolerances that define limits
of delegated authority. Ref 3.5
B. Incorrect. Project cost must be defined, but it is the tolerances that define limits of
delegated authority. Ref 3.5
C. Incorrect. Timescales must be defined, but it is the tolerances that define limits of
delegated authority. Ref 3.5
D. Correct. A PRINCE2 project has defined tolerances for each project objective to
establish limits of delegated authority. Ref 3.5
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Q A Syllabus Ref Rationale
10 A 3.6.2 A. Correct.
(1) To be following PRINCE2, a project must, as a minimum, assess whether
identified issues might have a material impact on the business justification of the
project (PRINCE2’s continued business justification principle). Ref 11.2
(2) To be following PRINCE2, a project must, as a minimum, ensure that project
issues are captured, examined, managed and reviewed throughout the project
lifecycle. Ref 11.2
B, C, D. Incorrect.
(3) As part of the change theme, verification of the actual status of products can be
considered, however this is not a minimum requirement. Ref 11.2, 11.3.3
(4) Unless the anticipated level of change on a project is low, it is advisable for a
budget to be set up to pay for changes. However, this is not a minimum requirement
for applying the change theme. Ref 11.2, 11.3.6
11 D 4.1d A. Incorrect. To agree, perform and deliver project work is a purpose of the
'managing product delivery' process. Ref 18.1
B. Incorrect. To draft a plan for the next stage is a purpose of the 'managing a stage
boundary' process. Ref 19.1
C. Incorrect. The stage plan for the next stage is created in the 'managing a stage
boundary' process and approved in the 'directing a project' process. During the
'authorize a stage or exception plan activity', tolerances will be set for the stage plan
being approved. Ref 19.1, 15.4.3
D. Correct. The purpose of the 'controlling a stage' process is to assign work,
monitor it, deal with issues, report progress and take corrective action to ensure that
the stage remains within tolerance. Ref 17.1
12 A 2.1g A. Correct. If PRINCE2 is not tailored, it is unlikely that the project management
effort and approach would be appropriate for the needs of the project. Tailoring
ensures the project management method used is appropriate to the project’s
environment. Ref 3.7
B. Incorrect. Tailoring is done according to the project's risk. It does not avoid risk.
Ref 3.7
C. Incorrect. Tailoring does not avoid the need for training. It does ensure that the
project management method and controls are appropriate to the project's
environment. Training may still be necessary. Ref 3.7
D. Incorrect. Tailoring will align the project method to the business processes that
may govern and support the project, such as human resources, finance and
procurement. It does not avoid the need for these processes. Ref 3.7
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Q A Syllabus Ref Rationale
13 A 3.2.3h A. Correct. The team manager’s primary responsibility is to ensure production of
those products allocated by the project manager. PRINCE2 uses work packages to
allocate work to team managers. Ref 7.2.1.8
B. Incorrect. Reviewing the highlight report for the previous reporting period is a
responsibility of the project manager in the 'controlling a stage' process. Ref 7.2.1.7,
17.4.5
C. Incorrect. Reviewing the tailoring approach and its implications for project
controls is a responsibility of the project manager in the 'initiating a project' process.
Ref 7.2.1.7, 16.4.6
D. Incorrect. Capturing, examining and escalating issues and risks, and taking
corrective actions are responsibilities of the project manager in the 'controlling a
stage' process. Ref 7.2.1.7, 17.4
14 A 4.3d A. Correct. For complex projects with a large initiation stage, the 'controlling a stage'
process can be used to control the activities. Ref 17.3
B. Incorrect. The 'controlling a stage' process is used by the project manager to
manage the day-to-day activities of a stage, not a programme. Ref 17.3
C. Incorrect. Support activities are business as usual. 'Controlling a stage' is a
project process. Ref 17.3
D. Incorrect. Creating an exception plan is an activity within the 'managing a stage
boundary' process. Ref 19.4.5
15 A 3.4.3a A. Correct. 'Identifying activities and dependencies' is a step in PRINCE2's
recommended approach to planning. The step identifies the activities required to
deliver a planned product. Ref fig 9.2, 9.3.1.3
B. Incorrect. Describing the means of communication in the project is done as part
of creating the communication management approach. Ref 7.2.2
C. Incorrect. Implementing responses for risks is part of the recommended risk
management process. Ref 10.3.2
D. Incorrect. The ‘baselining project deliverables’ activity takes place whenever a
product is either ready for review or has been approved. Ref 11.1
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Q A Syllabus Ref Rationale
16 D 2.1b A. Incorrect. A PRINCE2 project has defined tolerances for each project objective to
establish limits of delegated authority. This is an advantage of applying the 'manage
by exception' principle. Ref 3.5
B. Incorrect. A PRINCE2 project has defined and agreed roles and responsibilities
within an organization structure that engages the business, user and supplier
stakeholder interests. This is an advantage of applying the 'defined roles and
responsibilities' principle. Ref 3.3
C. Incorrect. A PRINCE2 project has defined tolerances for each project objective to
establish limits of delegated authority. This is an advantage of applying the 'manage
by exception' principle. Ref 3.5
D. Correct. As the project progresses the project should continue to learn. Lessons
should be included in relevant reports and reviews. The goal is to seek opportunities
to implement improvements during the life of the project. Ref 3.2
17 B 3.2.3b A. Incorrect. Project tolerance levels are set by corporate or programme
management. The project board sets stage tolerance levels. Ref 12.2.1
B. Correct. The executive (who represents the business interest) is appointed to
ensure that the project is focused on achieving and delivering a product that will
achieve the forecast benefits and will deliver value for money. Ref 7.2.1.2
C. Incorrect. Confirming the project delivers the required functionality is part of the
responsibilities/focus of the senior user who is appointed by the executive. Ref
7.2.1.3, C.3.1
D. Incorrect. Checking the required quality levels are achieved by the project's
products is part of the responsibilities/focus of the senior supplier who is appointed
by the executive. Ref 7.2.1.4
18 A 1.1d A. Correct. As one of the minimum requirements, a PRINCE2 project must
demonstrate that the project has processes that satisfy the purpose and objectives
of the PRINCE2 processes. Ref 1.3
B. Incorrect. A project organization is always temporary. For this reason having a
permanent structure is not a minimum requirement. Ref 2.1
C. Incorrect. A project is a means to change an existing business as usual.
However, PRINCE2 does not define how this change is going to take place.
Technology to improve the business as usual will be an output for the project, and
PRINCE2 will be tailored to manage the delivery of that output. Ref 2.1
D. Incorrect. Application of all of the PRINCE2 principles is mandatory. Ref 1.3
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Q A Syllabus Ref Rationale
19 D 3.5.3e A. Incorrect. The scale or probable effect of the risk is referred to as its impact. Ref
10.4.2.1
B. Incorrect. The scale or probable effect of the risk is referred to as its impact. Ref
10.4.2.1
C. Incorrect. A probable timeframe within which the risk may occur is a definition of
the risk proximity. Ref 10.4.2.1
D. Correct. Probability measures the likelihood of the risk occurring. Ref 10.4.2.1
20 C 3.5.4 A. Incorrect. Project support is not responsible for allocating the risk budget- they
provide administrative duties to the project by maintaining the risk register. Ref tab
10.1
B. Incorrect. Risk responses are decided by the project team during the 'plan' step.
Ref 10.4.3
C. Correct. The risk owner manages and controls all aspects of a risk and the risk
actionee implements specific responses to a risk as part of the 'implement' step. Ref
10.4.4
D. Incorrect. The risk management approach is formulated during the 'identify
context' step. Ref 10.4.1.1
21 C 4.2c A. Incorrect. An objective of the 'directing a project' process is to ensure that there is
authority to initiate the project. Ref 15.2
B. Incorrect. Preparation may begin for the next stage (which triggers the 'managing
a stage boundary' process), but subsequent stages are planned towards the end of
each stage. Ref 19.2
C. Correct. The project initiation documentation should include or reference the
project controls and summarize how the project intends to tailor PRINCE2. Ref 16.2
D. Incorrect. Authority to deliver the project is sought from the project board, not
programme, corporate management or the customer. Ref 16.3
22 C 3.5.2 A. Incorrect. As part of the 'implement' step in the risk management procedure, risk
actionees should be assigned to carry out risk responses. However, this is not a
minimum requirement for applying the risk theme. Ref 10.2, 10.4.4
B. Incorrect. Risks will be raised to the project board if they exceed tolerance
however, not all risks are raised to the project board. However, this is not a
minimum requirement for applying the progress theme. Ref 12.2
C. Correct. As a minimum, the project should maintain some form of risk register to
record identified risks and decisions relating to their analysis, management and
review. Ref 10.2
D. Incorrect. A risk budget can be established as part of managing risk, however this
is not a minimum requirement for applying the risk theme. Ref 10.2, 10.3.7
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Q A Syllabus Ref Rationale
23 C 3.7.3b A. Incorrect. An exception report is created by the project manager in the 'controlling
a stage' process when issues and risks are escalated to the project board. Ref
17.4.7
B. Incorrect. An exception plan is produced by the project manager in the 'managing
a stage boundary' process. Ref 19.4.5
C. Correct. If a work package is forecast to exceed tolerances agreed in a work
package, the team manager should inform the project manager by raising an issue.
The project manager will then advise on corrective actions required. Ref 12.2.3
D. Incorrect. A risk is an uncertain event or set of events that, should it occur, will
have an effect on the achievement of objectives. A forecast to exceed work package
tolerances is an issue. Ref 10.1, 12.2.1
24 B 2.2 A. Incorrect. The executive, as a member of the project board, has responsibility for
approving any tailoring, but it is the project manager who is responsible for
identifying and documenting the level of tailoring for the project. Ref 4.3.2
B. Correct. The project manager is responsible for identifying and documenting the
level of tailoring for the project. Ref 4.3.2
C. Incorrect. The team manager may propose to the project manager any tailoring
which would help them manage their work packages more effectively, but it is the
project manager who is responsible for identifying and documenting the level of
tailoring for the project. Ref 4.3.2
D. Incorrect. It is the project manager who is responsible for identifying and
documenting the level of tailoring for the project, not project support. Ref 4.3.2
25 D 3.3.2 A. Incorrect. Where there is already an established quality management system for
projects, for example in a programme or portfolio, only the project-specific
approaches will need to be documented, but this is not a minimum requirement. Ref
8.3.5
B. Incorrect. Although PRINCE2 does not address quality assurance, and it is good
practice to include it in the project’s quality management approach, it is defining
project assurance that is the minimum requirement. Ref 8.2, 8.3.5
C. Incorrect. In considering acceptance criteria, it can be useful to select proxy
measures that will be accurate and reliable indicators of whether benefits will
subsequently be achieved, but this is not a minimum requirement. Ref 8.3.10
D. Correct. To be following PRINCE2, a project must, as a minimum, define the
project’s approach to project assurance. Ref 8.2
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Q A Syllabus Ref Rationale
26 B 3.3.1a A. Incorrect. Establishing the mechanisms to judge whether a project is desirable
and achievable is a purpose of the business case theme. Ref 6.1
B. Correct. A purpose of the quality theme is to use the lessons identified during the
project to introduce more efficiency and effectiveness into the management of the
project and the project's products. Ref 8.1
C. Incorrect. Controlling uncertainty to improve the ability of the project to succeed is
a purpose of the risk theme. Ref 10.1
D. Incorrect. Establishing mechanisms to control any unacceptable deviation is a
purpose of the progress theme. Ref 12.1
27 B 3.1.1a A. Incorrect. Establishing mechanisms for managing issues that may impact the
baseline is a purpose of the change theme. Ref 11.1
B. Correct. A purpose of the business case theme is to allow decisions to be made
regarding continued project investment and benefit achievement. Ref 6.1
C. Incorrect. Assessing and controlling uncertain events or situations is a purpose of
the risk theme. Ref 10.1
D. Incorrect. Describing how products will be delivered that are fit for purpose is a
purpose of the quality theme. Ref 8.1
28 B 4.1c A. Incorrect. The 'managing product delivery' process provides accurate progress
information to the project manager at an agreed frequency to ensure that
expectations are managed. Ref 18.2
B. Correct. The 'initiating a project' process establishes solid foundations for the
project, enabling the organization to understand the work that needs to be done to
deliver the project’s products before committing to a significant spend. Ref 16.1
C. Incorrect. The 'controlling a stage' process monitors the work of the stage and
reports progress to the project board at regular intervals defined by them. Ref 17.1
D. Incorrect. The 'directing a project' process is where the project board will make
decisions to commit resources, but it can only do so if provided with the appropriate
information from the 'initiating a project' process or the 'managing a stage boundary'
process. Ref 15.4.2
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Q A Syllabus Ref Rationale
29 A 3.7.1b A. Correct.
(1) A highlight report is used to provide the project board (and possibly other
stakeholders) with a summary of the stage and project status at intervals defined by
them. Ref A.11.1
(2) The project board uses the highlight report to monitor stage and project
progress. Ref A.11.1
B, C, D. Incorrect.
(3) A highlight report is time-driven so is only produced on set intervals. A highlight
report is not used when an event occurs, such as a new risk being identified. Ref
12.2.2.4, A.11.1
(4) An exception report is produced when a stage plan or project plan is forecast to
exceed tolerance levels set. It is prepared by the project manager in order to inform
the project board of the exception situation. Ref A.10.1
30 B 3.6.1b A. Incorrect. The issue register holds details of all issues which are to be formally
managed and which will have issue reports created. Ref A.12.1
B. Correct. The product status account should provide details of all the products of a
stage, including the version numbers. Ref A.18.1
C. Incorrect. The product description defines purpose and function of each product.
Ref A.17.1
D. Incorrect. The configuration item record product holds the version number of one
specific configuration item. Ref A.6.1
31 B 3.5.1a B. Correct.
(2) The risk theme aims to support better decision making through a good
understanding of risks. Ref 10.1
(3) Management of risk should be systematic and proactive, and is implemented by
the risk management approach which defines activities that should be implemented
to control risks on a project. Ref 10.1
A, C, D. Incorrect.
(1) The purpose of the risk theme is to manage project risks, not at the corporate,
programme management or customer level. Ref 10.1
(4) It is the change theme that identifies, assesses and controls any potential and
approved changes to the baseline. Ref 11.1
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Q A Syllabus Ref Rationale
32 A 3.7.2 A. Correct. To be following PRINCE2, a project must, as a minimum, define its
approach to controlling progress in the project initiation documentation. The
'manage by exception' principle is particularly important when controlling progress.
Ref 12.2
B. Incorrect. Only the overall approach to controlling progress needs to be recorded,
as a minimum, not the detail of how reports are to be amended. Ref 12.2
C. Incorrect. To be following PRINCE2, a project must, as a minimum, set
tolerances. All six tolerance areas must be used, as given in the 'manage by
exception' principle. Ref 12.2, 3.5
D. Incorrect. The levels of control will remain the same even if the project
management team structure and roles are tailored. Ref 7.1, 12.2
33 C 3.7.1a A. Incorrect. The purpose of the plans theme is to facilitate communication and
control by defining the means of delivering the products (the where and how, by
whom, and estimating the when and how much). Ref 9.1
B. Incorrect. The purpose of the change theme is to identify, assess and control any
potential and approved changes to the baseline. Ref 11.1
C. Correct. The purpose of the progress theme is to establish mechanisms to
monitor and compare actual achievements against those planned, provide a
forecast for the project objectives and the project's continued viability, and control
any unacceptable deviations. Ref 12.1
D. Incorrect. The purpose of the quality theme is to define and implement the means
by which the project will verify that products are fit for purpose. Ref 8.1
34 B 3.5.3c A. Incorrect. A risk owner is responsible for the management, monitoring and control
of all aspects of a particular risk allocated to them. Project support assists the
project manager in maintaining the risk register. Ref tab 10.1, 10.4.4
B. Correct. A risk owner is responsible for the management, monitoring and control
of all aspects of a particular risk allocated to them. Ref 10.4.4
C. Incorrect. A risk owner is responsible for the management, monitoring and control
of all aspects of a particular risk allocated to them. The risk actionee is an individual
assigned to carry out a risk response action, taking direction from the risk owner.
Ref 10.4.4
D. Incorrect. A risk owner is responsible for the management, monitoring and control
of all aspects of a particular risk allocated to them. Project assurance reviews risk
management practices to check that they are in line with the risk management
approach. Ref 10.4.4, tab 10.1
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Q A Syllabus Ref Rationale
35 D 3.2.3f A. Incorrect. It is a responsibility of project assurance to ensure an acceptable
solution is being developed. Ref 7.2.1.5
B. Incorrect. It is a responsibility of the team manager to prepare a team plan and
agree it with the project manager. Ref 7.2.1.8
C. Incorrect. It is a responsibility of project support to maintain project files according
to document control procedures. Ref 7.2.1.9
D. Correct. It is the project board's responsibility to agree to each change before it's
implemented. The project board may delegate some authority for approving or
rejecting requests for change to the change authority. Ref 7.2.1.6
36 B 2.1d A. Incorrect. The 'focus on products' principle ensures that the project focuses on
the definition and delivery of products, in particular their quality requirements. Ref
3.6
B. Correct. The focus on managing by stages ensures that the project is properly
initiated before work starts on delivery of the project’s outputs. Ref 3.4
C. Incorrect. The 'defined roles and responsibilities' principle defines an organization
structure that engages the business, user and supplier stakeholder interests, setting
out who is accountable. Ref 3.3
D. Incorrect. The 'continued business justification' principle defines that a project
must be desirable, viable and achievable. Ref 3.1
37 C 3.4.3c A. Incorrect. The length of management stages can be longer when risk is lower- a
complex risk is unlikely to be lower risk. Ref 9.3.1.1
B. Incorrect. The length of management stages can be longer when risk is lower-
understanding risk does not make a risk lower. Ref 9.3.1.1
C. Correct. The length of management stages can be longer when risk is lower,
typically in the middle of projects. Ref 9.3.1.1
D. Incorrect. The length of management stages can be shorter when risk is higher.
Ref 9.3.1.1
38 B 4.3g A. Incorrect. When handing over products, the benefits management approach is
checked to ensure that post-project benefits reviews are planned. However, these
are performed after the project, not within the 'closing a project process'. Ref 20.4.3
B. Correct. During the ‘closing a project’ process, ownership of the products is
transferred to the customer and the responsibility of the project management team
is then terminated. Ref 20.3, 20.4.3
C. Incorrect. At the end of the final stage an end project report is created. Ref 20.4.4
D. Incorrect. The project closure notification is sent to the project board for review
and approval in the 'directing a project' process. Ref 20.4.5, 15.4.5
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Q A Syllabus Ref Rationale
39 C 4.1a A. Incorrect. To understand the resources and costs to deliver the project's products
is an objective of the 'initiating a project' process. Ref 16.1
B. Incorrect. To ensure that there is authority to deliver the project's products is an
objective of the 'directing a project' process. Ref 15.1
C. Correct. The 'starting up a project' process is a lighter process compared to the
more detailed and thorough 'initiating a project' process. Ref 14.1
D. Incorrect. The suite of management products make up the project initiation
documentation which is created during the 'initiating a project' process. Ref 16.3
40 C 1.2b A. Incorrect. PRINCE2 refers to the organization that commissions a project as
‘corporate, programme management or the customer’. This organization is
responsible for providing the project’s mandate, governing the project, and for
realizing any benefits that the project might deliver. Ref 2.5
B. Incorrect. PRINCE2 refers to the organization that commissions a project as
‘corporate, programme management or the customer’. This organization is
responsible for providing the project’s mandate. Ref 2.5
C. Correct. PRINCE2 refers to a supplier as the person, group or groups
responsible for the supply of the project’s specialist products. Ref 2.5
D. Incorrect. The senior user provides the customer’s quality expectations and
defines acceptance criteria for the project. The senior user will define and verify user
requirements and expectations. Ref C.3.1, tab 7.1
41 C 3.2.2 A. Incorrect. It is the responsibility of the senior user to verify user requirements, but
it is not a minimum requirement. Ref 7.2, tab 7.1
B. Incorrect. A delegated change authority is optional not a minimum, requirement.
Ref 7.2
C. Correct. To be following PRINCE2, a project must, as a minimum, define its
organization structure and roles. This must minimally ensure that all of the
responsibilities in PRINCE2’s role descriptions are fulfilled. Ref 7.2
D. Incorrect. It is the responsibility of the senior supplier to provide supplier
resources, but it is not a minimum requirement to ensure they are available. Ref 7.2,
tab 7.1
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Q A Syllabus Ref Rationale
42 B 4.2e A. Incorrect. When a work package is being negotiated is when the project manager
and team manager agree the timing of checkpoint reports. Ref 12.2.2.4, 18.4.1
B. Correct. A team manager is required to provide checkpoint reports at the
frequency agreed with the project manager in the relevant work package. Ref 18.2,
12.2.2.4, 18.4.2
C. Incorrect. Checkpoints are a time-driven control and done at a frequency agreed
in the work package, not driven by such events as completing quality-checking
activities. Ref 12.2.2.4, 18.4.2
D. Incorrect. The team manager is not involved in reviewing how a stage is
progressing. Ref 12.2.2.2, 17.4.4, tab 17.4
43 A 4.1b A. Correct. The 'directing a project' process provides a mechanism for the project
board to achieve such assurance without being overburdened by project activity.
Ref 15.3
B. Incorrect. The 'directing a project' process covers the activities of those at the
level of management above the project manager. Ref 15.3
C. Incorrect. The project board manage by exception. It monitors via reports and
controls through a small number of decision points. There should be no need for
other 'progress meetings' for the project board. Ref 15.3
D. Incorrect. The 'directing a project' process starts on completion of the 'starting up
a project' process. Ref 15.1
44 C 3.4.1a A. Incorrect. The purpose of the risk theme is to identify, assess and control
uncertainty within the project. Ref 10.1
B. Incorrect. The identification of project products involves configuration
management, part of the change theme. Ref 11.3.3
C. Correct. The purpose of the plans theme is to define the means of delivering the
products. Ref 9.1
D. Incorrect. A benefits management approach is associated with the business case
theme, not the plans theme. Ref 6.2, A.1.1
45 B 3.3.1b A. Incorrect. The customer's quality requirements are defined in a project product
description. Ref A.21.1
B. Correct. The quality management approach is used to define the quality
techniques and standards to be applied during a project. Ref A.22.1
C. Incorrect. The level of quality required for each of a project's products is the
quality specification that is recorded as the quality criteria in the associated product
description. Ref A.17.1
D. Incorrect. The quality register is used to summarize all of the quality management
activities that are planned. Ref A.23.1
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Q A Syllabus Ref Rationale
46 D 2.1f A. Incorrect. A product's quality criteria describe the criteria against which a product
will be approved. The setting of tolerances supports the 'manage by exception'
principle. Ref 3.5, A.17.5
B. Incorrect. A product's quality criteria describe the criteria against which a product
will be approved. The defining of responsibilities supports the 'defined roles and
responsibilities' principle. Ref 3.3, A.17.5
C. Incorrect. A product's quality criteria describe the criteria against which a product
will be approved. The justification of the project supports the 'continued business
justification' principle. Ref 3.1, A.17.5
D. Correct. A PRINCE2 project uses product descriptions to provide such clarity by
defining each product's purpose, composition, derivation, format, quality criteria and
quality method. Ref 3.6
47 B 1.2a A. Incorrect. PRINCE2's strength is in its wide applicability - it is entirely generic.
Consequently, industry-specific or type-specific activity is excluded. Specific
techniques can readily be used alongside PRINCE2. Ref 1.2
B. Correct. PRINCE2 promotes learning from project experience and continual
improvement in organizations. Ref 1
C. Incorrect. Leadership styles and motivational skill vary greatly from one project
environment to another. Hence, to keep the generic nature of PRINCE2 intact, such
styles and skills are excluded. Ref 1.2
D. Incorrect. PRINCE2 is intended to be used to manage only projects, not
programmes. Ref 1
48 C 3.2.3j A. Incorrect. It is the project board’s responsibility to agree to each potential change
before it is implemented. In a project where few changes are envisaged, it may be
reasonable to leave this authority in the hands of the project board. Ref 7.2.1.6
B. Incorrect. The team manager role may be assigned to the project manager or a
separate person. Ref 7.2.1.8
C. Correct. The executive and project manager roles cannot be combined. The
executive’s accountability for project success cannot be delegated. Ref 7.2.1.10
D. Incorrect. Project support is the responsibility of the project manager. The role
defaults to the project manager if it is not otherwise allocated. Ref 7.2.1.9
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Q A Syllabus Ref Rationale
49 D 1.1a A. Incorrect. Projects introduce threats and opportunities over and above those
typically encountered in the course of business as usual. Ref 2.1
B. Incorrect. Projects often cross the normal functional divisions within an
organization and sometimes span entirely different organizations. This frequently
causes stresses and strains. Ref 2.1
C. Incorrect. A project is a temporary organization that is created for the purpose of
delivering one or more business products. There are a number of characteristics of
project work that distinguishes it from business as usual. Ref 2.1
D. Correct. Projects involve a team of people with different skills working together to
introduce a change that will impact others outside the team. Ref 2.1
50 A 4.2f A. Correct. An objective of the 'managing a stage boundary' process is for the
project manager to request authorization from the project board to start the next
stage. Ref 19.2
B. Incorrect. Risks do not have to be closed at the end of a stage. During each of
the activities within the 'managing a stage boundary' process, the issue register and
risk register are updated as necessary. Ref 17.4, 17.4.1-8
C. Incorrect. Ensuring that work on products allocated to the team for the next stage
is authorized is an objective of the 'managing product delivery' process, which
ensures that work on products allocated to a team is authorized and agreed in a
work package. Ref 18.2
D. Incorrect. An exception plan may be prepared during the ‘managing a stage
boundary’ process to show how to recover from a tolerance deviation, but selecting
and implementing actions to resolve the deviation would occur as part of the 'take
corrective action' activity in the 'controlling a stage' process. Ref 17.4.8
51 D 4.2b A. Incorrect. The 'starting up a project' process only requests authorization to initiate
a project. Ref fig 14.1
B. Incorrect. The 'initiating a project' process only requests authorization to deliver a
project; it is the 'directing a project' process that provides the authority. Ref 16.3,
15.2
C. Incorrect. The 'managing a stage boundary' process only requests authorization
to start the next stage; it is the 'directing a project' process that provides the
authority. Ref 19.2, 15.2
D. Correct. An objective of the 'directing a project' process is to ensure that there is
authority to deliver the project's products. Ref 15.2
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Q A Syllabus Ref Rationale
52 A 3.1.2 A. Correct. It is a minimum requirement that the roles and responsibilities for the
business case and benefits management are defined and documented. Therefore,
this includes responsibility for defining any standards to which the business case
needs to be developed. Ref 6.2, tab 6.1
B. Incorrect. It is usually advisable that the senior user comes from an area of the
business impacted by the change, but it is not a minimum requirement. Ref 6.2.3,
6.2
C. Incorrect. If corporate, programme management or the customer are to manage
or participate in the benefits reviews, the project board may need to seek their
approval but it is not a minimum requirement to obtain such approval. Ref 6.2.3, 6.2
D. Incorrect. Development of the business justification may be delegated, for
example to the project manager. However, this is not a minimum requirement. Ref
6.2.1, 14.4.4, 6.2
53 A 4.1i A. Correct. The project initiation documentation, baselined in the 'initiating a project'
process, is used during the 'closing a project' process as the benchmark to review
how the project actually performed against its planned targets and tolerances. Ref
20.2, 20.4.4
B. Incorrect. The controls for the final stage are contained in the stage plan rather
than the project initiation documentation. Ref 19.4.1
C. Incorrect. The lessons log and lesson report are not part of the project initiation
documentation. Ref A.20.2
D. Incorrect. The project product description, which first forms part of the project
brief and is then incorporated into the project initiation documentation, is approved
during the 'initiating a project' process and at the end of each stage. It is not
approved as part of the 'closing a project' process. Ref fig 15.3, tab 15.3, A.19.2
54 C 4.3c A. Incorrect. The 'starting up a project' process aims to ensure that there is a clear
project mandate that provides the terms of reference for the project and should
contain sufficient information to identify at least the prospective executive of the
project board. Ref 14.3
B. Incorrect. The 'directing a project' process provides a mechanism for the project
board to meet its responsibility for ensuring that there is continued business
justification without being overburdened by project activity. Ref 15.3
C. Correct. It Is the 'initiating a project' process that aims to ensure that all parties
are be clear on what the project is intended to achieve, why it is needed and how
the outcome is to be achieved. Ref 16.3
D. Incorrect. The 'managing product delivery' process views the project from the
team manager’s perspective and aims to ensure that products are created and
delivered by the team to the project. Ref 18.3
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Q A Syllabus Ref Rationale
55 A 4.3f A. Correct. The 'managing a stage boundary' process should be executed at, or
close to the end of, each management stage. The process is used to enable the
project board to receive sufficient information to review the current stage before
starting the next. Ref 19.1
B. Incorrect. The activities to manage a stage boundary should be planned to take
place at, or close to the end of, each management stage, not at the start. Ref 19.1
C. Incorrect. The activities to manage a stage boundary should be planned to take
place at, or close to the end of, each management stage. However, the 'closing a
project' process occurs at the end of the final management stage. Ref 19.1, fig 13.1
D. Incorrect. The 'starting up a project' process is not a management stage and
therefore does not use the 'managing a stage boundary' process. The 'managing a
stage boundary' process is not used at the end of the 'starting up a project' process.
Ref 14.3, fig 13.1
56 C 3.1.3 A. Incorrect. A measurable improvement that is perceived as an advantage by one
or more stakeholders is a project's benefit. Ref 6.1, glossary
B. Incorrect. The reason for the project is why the project is required not the result of
a change derived from using the project's outputs. Ref 6.1, 6.2, 6.2.1
C. Correct. A project outcome is the result of a change derived from using the
project's outputs. Ref 6.1
D. Incorrect. The specialist products are defined as the project's outputs. Ref 6.1,
glossary
57 B 1.1b A. Incorrect. The six aspects of project performance to be managed are costs,
timescales, scope, quality, risk and benefits. Change is a theme. Ref 2.3, 11.1
B. Correct. The six aspects of project performance to be managed are costs,
timescales, scope, quality, risk and benefits. Ref 2.3
C. Incorrect. The six aspects of project performance to be managed are costs,
timescales, scope, quality, risk and benefits. Change is a theme. Ref 2.3, 11.1
D. Incorrect. The six aspects of project performance to be managed are costs,
timescales, scope, quality, risk and benefits. Change is a theme. Ref 2.3, 11.1
58 C 3.4.2 A. Incorrect. 'Starting up a project' is a PRINCE2 process, not a stage. A process is
a structured set of activities designed to accomplish a specific objective. Ref 14.1,
13.1, fig 13.1
B. Incorrect. To be following PRINCE2, a project must, as a minimum, have an
initiation stage and at least one further management stage. ‘Closing a project’ is a
process, not a stage. Ref 9.2, fig 13.1
C. Correct. To be following PRINCE2, a project must, as a minimum, have an
initiation stage and at least one further management stage. Ref 9.2
D. Incorrect. 'Closing a project' is a process, not a stage. Ref 20.1, fig 13.1
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Q A Syllabus Ref Rationale
59 D 3.2.4b A. Incorrect. It is important to review the communication management approach at
each stage boundary, not just at the start of the project, to ensure that it includes all
the key stakeholders. Ref 7.2.2
B. Incorrect. Project board members are stakeholders representing the three
primary categories: business, user and supplier. Ref 7.1
C. Incorrect. Stakeholders may be internal or external to the corporate organization.
Ref 7.1
D. Correct. The three principle categories of stakeholders: business, user and
supplier, are represented by the executive, senior user(s) and senior supplier(s). Ref
7.1
60 A 4.3a A. Correct. The project mandate should provide the terms of reference for a project.
Ref 14.3
B. Incorrect. The detailed business case is produced during the 'initiating a project'
process when the outline business case is updated. Ref 16.4.8
C. Incorrect. The project mandate may include the project tolerances but it is the
project board's responsibility to identify stage tolerances. Ref 12.2.1
D. Incorrect. The creation of the plan for the initiation stage is the last activity during
the 'starting up a project' process and is the responsibility of the project manager.
Information from the project mandate may be contained in the plan but the actual
plan itself is not included in the project mandate. Ref 14.4.6